Sponsored by Alisha Foundation, the 2nd Foundation Day of Blessed Bonding, an NGO for children with Intellectually Developmental Disabilities, was held at JBC, conference hall, CIHSR on October 26. (DIPR Photo)
Dimapur, October 27 (MExN): Sponsored by Alisha Foundation, the 2nd Foundation Day of Blessed Bonding, an NGO for children with Intellectually Developmental Disabilities, was held at JBC, conference hall, Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR) under a theme, ‘Finding Strength in the struggle, Speaking in the silence’ on October 26.
Blessed Bonding is an NGO formed by Parents of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) which includes Palsy, specific Learning Disabilities or multiple disabilities. The purpose and urgency to form the Organization arose as children with IDD is an unexplored field to the government and public but is not limited to Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Cerebral alike. To create more awareness to build an inclusive community, to be the voice of the children and advocate their rights within the State of Nagaland, the Parents came together to form “Blessed Bonding”, which was officially launched on October 26, 2024, stated a DIPR report.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, ZakaboRotokha in his address applaud the efforts, vision and foresight for those who have come together to form this organisation and pray that they will continue to impact our society in a meaningful way. He pointed that parenting is not easy, especially the parents with children with special needs, the task is more challenging.
On occasion they may have fears, doubts, frustration, and on those moment of tears, struggle, problems faced and prayers- defines how extraordinary parent they are. They are children greatest architects for their education, rights and dignity and hence urged the parents to ensure that every child here gets opportunity, understanding and a chance to shine, to excel just like any other child in their family, churches and neighbours.
He pointed that efforts all begins how we see them, how we treat them and support them. Parents with special needs children cannot be left alone to walk this path; they need support from institution, state, schools, hospitals, health institution services and community. He encouraged every individual to come forward and give support in whatever they can. He stated that, Policies and laws should be the cornerstone for building systems that are inclusive, supportive and accessible and every child must be frame, regulated and legislated. Our laws must become a reflection of the society that we opt to strive for, where every child, women and men are valued and celebrated and can live more independent life irrespective of his or her disabilities or abilities. Every successful policy decision is a progression towards right direction, and it is where an organisation like Blessed Bond that comes into check, he added
He further mentioned, “in our State advocacy and support is very minimal and organisations like Blessed Bond can become not only a network support but also an active channel for advocating and pushing various institutions support.”
Blessed Bond can be the start to the brighter future of the children. He encouraged parents and members of the Blessed Bond to create awareness and their voices be heard. The journey they had is not an easy one but the journey they have is more meaningful and fulfilling than the normal parents. He pray that God will give them immense strength, patience and understanding to take their journey forward as a parent of a special child.
Speaking on the theme, “Finding Strength in the Struggle, Speaking in the Silence”, Clinical Psychologist, CIHSR, ImlibenlaMongro-Domeh, congratulated the Blessed Bond on their 2nd foundation day which has paved a way for future such organisations to come up. In her address, she motivated the parents and stakeholders on biblical verse, where she reminded parents not to create barriers for the children, but create accessibility as the future belongs to the children. She urged the parents and individual to ponder on what position or vision or dreams or attitudes do they have in taking care of the children with disabilities. Everyone has a different role to play and so they should stand firm in whatever position do they take, as finding strength in the struggle is where the help comes from God. She further motivates them to focus on embracing the child's unique journey, fostering their strengths, and maintaining a positive, solution-oriented approach.
The programme highlights included, Invocation and Special prayer for Children of Blessed Bonding by Nyoimei; Welcome Address delivered by Associate Pastor Women Konyak Baptist Church Dimapur, AnitoKiba Chairman, Blessed Bonding; Special Presentation by Angel Home, Signal Angami and ChabouMepfhuo; Special Report presented by AkoklaLongchar, Executive Member, Blessed Bonding; Release of Newsletter by Special guest, and vote of thanks delivered by Treasurer, Blessed Bonding, AkahotoJimo.
